Father of Nancy Mace, former Commandant of Cadets for The Citadel, dies

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — South Carolina Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace has announced the death of her father.

Retired Army Brig. Gen. James Emory Mace Sr. died Tuesday shortly before 10 p.m., according to Mace.

“He left this world knowing he was a war hero. Knowing he was loved. Knowing Jesus was waiting... He fought the good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith,” Mace said in a post on social media. “Rest now, Dad. Your work in this world is done.”

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and grandchildren.

In life, he was Commandant of Cadets from 1998 to 2006 at The Citadel. The school’s alumni association previously called him “one of The Citadel’s most decorated combat veterans.” He received several awards and recognitions, including a Purple Heart, which he earned during the Vietnam War. He graduated from The Citadel as a member of the class of 1963.

“Rest in peace, Dad. I love you, and I’ll see you again,” Mace said.